Examining the link between social artifacts, solvability factors and case outcomes
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-8-2023
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the growing body of research literature on case clearance levels. Through a social artifact framework, the authors seek to understand the role that documentation of key solvability factors in investigative reports plays in shaping case clearance outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
For this study, 166 non-fatal shooting investigative case files were obtained from a local mid-sized urban police department and coded to assess whether investigators identified key solvability characteristics for non-fatal shooting incidents. Using a logistic regression, the authors assessed the extent that investigative characteristics mentioned in case files were associated with the odds that the case was cleared by arrest.
Findings
The findings from this study indicate that investigative case files as a data source are exceedingly unreliable. Investigators do not consistently document investigative practices and intelligence. And those that are consistently documented are a part of institutionalized practices that are unique to their corresponding police department.
Originality/value
This study is original in that it uses a social artifact framework to sharpen the focus on the role that the effective documentation of critical evidence plays in leading to arrests in gun violence cases.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1108/PIJPSM-02-2023-0031
Publication Information
Rodriguez, Libnah Yvette; Drake, Gregory; Altheimer, Irshad; and Klofas, John (2023). "Examining the link between social artifacts, solvability factors and case outcomes." Policing: An International Journal 46.4.
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